Looking for credit? Follow our helpful tips and resources

The minefield of personal finance

Applying for credit whether it be a loan or credit card can be a daunting process especially with so many banks all boasting about different interest rates, special conditions and unique benefits.

This article is designed to help you navigate the minefield of personal finance and give you a better understanding of the how the credit system works. We have added a few useful resources for you as well.

Before you apply for a credit – When borrowing money it is important to decide how you want to use it and what sort of borrower you are.

What are you going to use the money for?

Emergencies.

A one-time purchase.

Consolidating credit.

Are you a student with no credit rating or an established professional with a regular income? One thing is certain, there is sure to be at least one deal that suits your needs best.

Every money lender has their own special criteria to decide who their ideal customer is but all of them rely heavily on data provided by three credit reference agencies. These commercial companies compile data about individuals from a range of sources to help money lenders decide whether to authorise a loan, credit card, or any type of credit agreement.

Because of government legislation it is now affordable and easy to check your own credit rating for yourself. Even if you think your rating is first-class it is still a good idea to check it at least once every year for fraud or identity theft.

Is the information on file wrong or do you have a complaint about a lender?

From time to time incorrect information can be added to your credit file which can have a negative effect on your credit file. The credit agency can write to the offending lender on your behalf. If things are not resolved quickly or satisfactorily then pressure from the following companies below can help!

Financial Ombudsman

Financial Ombudsman – The financial ombudsman is the official independent expert in settling complaints between consumers and businesses that provide financial services. You can call them on 0800 023 4567. This is a free phone number if you are using a “fixed line” phone – but charges may apply if you call from a mobile phone.

The Information Commissioner’s Office

ICO – The information’s commission could help you if information on file is incorrect and the credit agencies cannot resolve this with the lender. You can call the ICO helpline on 0303 123 1113 or 01625 545745. They are open between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

5 Tips To Improve Your Credit Score

There are a number of things you can do to improve your credit score which are based on the information stored about you by the credit reference agencies.

Get on the electoral register. This helps money lenders verify your identity.

Build your credit score. Use credit but never miss a payment. If your history is bad this probably means you will only be offered high interest rates in the future. Be careful with money management, consider every purchase – do you really need it?

Keep up with any existing repayments. Bank charges, county court judgements and rent arrears all act negatively against you.

Don’t make several applications for credit you are unlikely to get. Lots of credit searches in a small amount of time makes a creditor think you are desperate for cash and a high risk liability.

Keep your debt to income ratio low. If your debt payments exceed 35% of your monthly income you will be unlikely to get any sort of loan and you will need to work on paying it off before applying for more credit.

Once you have a credit card, “respect it”; learn to manage your money! Above all else, keep up with the repayments. If you have any problems, contact your lending company because they might be able to help.

Peter has received many accreditation's including many from the Times Online. As founder of You Could Save (2005) , What Stationers (2007) and more recently, Peter Millikin (2018). Peter regularly helps consumers and national organisation ‘save money’. He believes that the only successful way to bring people together online is to provide an open marketplace where people can all work together in a friendly, unbiased environment. You can contact Peter Millikin either through his Google+ account or via his websites.